Essential Trip Information

• This trip is is a wilderness hike, best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with the prospect of multiple consecutive days of hiking in all conditions as it involves plenty of walking over varied terrain. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities and a packing list can be found in the trip notes. The total distance covered on this trip is approximately 65 km.
• You will need to carry your own gear on this trek. Your pack may weigh up to around 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip and a share of a tent, which will weigh around 1.4 kg.
• This is a camping trip, and you will be required to set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic (bush camping toilets, no showers).

You’re in for a challenging walking trip and a good level of fitness is essential. We do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right fit for you. If you’re already exercising regularly, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising regularly, it’s important you do so in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access hilly terrain easily, walking up and down stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY, please contact our local Operations Team on the number listed below:

1300 133 278

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day BEFORE departure at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store in the centre of Launceston – 136 York St. It is important that you bring your gear to this meeting as our team will check the suitability of your gear for the trek. Please note that if your leader deems your gear not suitable you will need to purchase missing items at this meeting. We will not be able to permit any hikers on the track with unsuitable gear. The welcome meeting and gear check will take around 90 minutes.

PACKING & GEAR HIRE
It is essential that you read the Packing List in our Essential Trip Information, and that you bring all necessary items. Backpack, rainwear and sleeping bag – all these items are essential for this trip and can be hired locally (additional cost applies, payable on the ground) if you do not wish to bring your own. Speak to your travel consultant if you need to hire any gear as items must be requested prior to travel. A full list of available items and their prices can be found in the Packing section in your trip notes. The tent and sleeping mats are provided for you.

START & END TIME
Pick-up in the morning of day 1 will be at 7:30am from at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store, 136 York St, Launceston. The trip will end with an arrival back into Launceston at around 4.30pm on the last day. Make sure you take this into consideration when booking onward travel.

CAMPING & CARRYING OF GEAR
This trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic. You will also need to carry your own gear on this trek. Expect the weight of your pack to be up to 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip, and a share of a tent which will be around 1.4 kg.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Solo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Please note that depending on the group make-up and the size of the camping platforms tents may be placed closely side by side.

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

All meals are included on this trip and are prepared by your leader onsite. Breakfast is continental and will be taken in camp before setting off for the day. Lunches are picnic style and will be taken in a scenic location enroute. Dinners are a simple affair around at camp in the evenings. If you have any dietary requirements please advise your booking agents at the time you make your booking. Please also advise your leader at the time of the group meeting.

This trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Solo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Facilities are very basic. Camping spots have composting toilets, however there are no showers.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

MANDATORY PACKING LIST
- Sleeping bag - 3 seasons down or high quality synthetic, comfort rating -5 - needs to be around the size of a rugby ball or smaller
- Boots must be lace up, ankle high, leather or leather/fabric construction with a sturdy rubber sole. Ideally boots will have a waterproof lining or for full-leather have been waterproofed. They must be well worn in but not worn out.
- Back pack 70-90L with waterproof pack liner
- Rain jacket with storm hood attached. Must be seam sealed waterproof breathable fabric (Gore-Tex or equivalent 3 layer membrane). We recommend mid thigh length with full front zip opening which must have a storm flap.
- Waterproof over pants (Gore-Tex equivalent 3 layer membrane or PVC coated nylon)
- 2 Long sleeve thermal tops (wool or synthetic)
- 1 Long thermal pants (wool or synthetic)
- Walking socks - 3 pairs wool or thermal
- Warm / Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Wide brimmed sun hat with secure chin strap preferable
- Balaclava or warm beanie
- Waterproof nylon pack cover
- Good quality head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles or water bladder - minimum 2 litres
- 2 Heavy weight garbage bags or dry bags for waterproof storage OR 1 good quality nylon pack liner (Sea to Summit equivalent)
- Gaiters - knee length essential for keeping mud from boots and leg protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first aid kit with tape for treating and preventing blisters and any personal medication. All this should be Carried in a waterproof and knock proof container.
- Toilet paper – in a waterproof zip lock bag
We will supply the tent, a sleeping mat, a bowl, cup and cutlery for you. You do not have to bring these.
Please note: The above packing list is MANDATORY, please contact us if you have further questions.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS
- 1 medium weight/thick woolen/polar fleece jumper - must be wool or good quality synthetic fibre
- 2 T-shirts/Long sleeve shirts (must be wool or synthetics outdoor material - NO Cotton)
- Warm trousers - must be wool or synthetic fibre
- Walking trousers
- Walking shorts
- Underwear - wool or thermal
- Swimmers
- Light weight sandals or shoes for around camp
- Change of clothes for around the camp after the day’s hike
- Sunglasses with secure neck strap
- Small pack towel
- Personal toiletries (please do not bring soaps or shampoo)
- Insect repellent cream (please do not bring spray repellent)
- Extra zip lock bags for rubbish & sanitary items. Note that all rubbish will need to be taken out as composting toilets along the track aren’t suitable for disposal of anything non-organic
- Snacks and energy foods such as chocolate and jelly beans.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Camera
- Walking Poles
- Small packable day pack for those days when exploring from base camp - your full pack can be used for exploring as well
- 1 lightweight down or synthetic jacket or vest (Cooler trekking months of November/December and March/April)
- Book

WALKING BOOTS
Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are necessary for walking trips. Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

GEAR HIRE
It is essential that you bring all necessary items. If you do not wish to bring them some items can be hired locally (additional cost applies), however they must be requested prior to travel. These items are available to hire on this trip:
- Rain Jacket (AUD $ 50.00)
- Water proof overpants (AUD $ 20.00)
- Backpackk with pack liner (AUD $ 50.00)
- Sleeping bag (AUD $ 50.00)
- Gaiters (AUD $ 30.00)
- Walking poles (AUD $ 20.00)

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day BEFORE departure at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store in the centre of Launceston – 136 York St. It is important that you bring your gear to this meeting as our team will check the suitability of your gear for the trek. Please note that if your leader deems your gear not suitable you will need to purchase missing items at this meeting. We will not be able to permit any hikers on the track with unsuitable gear. The welcome meeting and gear check will take around 90 minutes.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Please keep your luggage size and weight to a minimum, as you will be carrying your backpack yourself. 15kg is suggested maximum total weight. In addition to your personal items you will be carrying your share of the food and your tent.

LUGGAGE STORAGE
Your main or excess luggage can be stored in Launceston for the duration of the trip. Please let your booking agent know ahead of time if this is required. Alternatively please check with your accommodation in Launceston.

WEATHER
You will have to be prepared for all weather extremes as you will be walking at alpine altitudes. Be prepared for both wet and cold weather as well as hot days with a particularly strong sun in summer.

WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Water from streams along the way is safe to drink, although you may want to bring along some water purification tablets if you wish.

PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI
In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

Tasmania will no doubt give us everything it has to offer. You need to be prepared for hot weather as well as cold and wet (maybe even on the same day). It is unpredictable especially in the alpine regions.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Even in the peak of the Australian summer, Tasmania, being the most southerly point of the country, is subject to cold and wet weather from Antarctica. It can get very cold, particularly at higher elevations such as Cradle Mountain. Tasmania sits on a latitude of approximately 40 degrees south, which sometimes means the wind chill from the 'roaring 40's' can make the days very cold! Daily weather conditions in Tasmania can change very quickly from sunshine to rain. We suggest that you come prepared for all extremes, some light clothing for the sunshine and something a little more protective for the colder and possibly wet days.

On this trip you will be accompanied by two group leaders who will trek with you at the front and back of the group, and will ensure your safety and than you get the most out of your trekking days. They will also be responsible for coordinating camp setup each night and for preparing food (help is always appreciated).

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit.

We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities.

Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground.

Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

This trip supports Greening Australia, who are restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. They’re taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and research initiatives that help scale their impact. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/greening-australia